College Planning News
Demonstrated Interest
July 2017
On its surface, demonstrated interest seems like a completely egalitarian aspect of the college admissions process, and one that benefits both parties—the institution and the applicant. The institution grants a degree of admission favor to an applicant who is likely to enroll, if admitted, thus increasing the school’s yield rate (percentage of admitted students who choose to enroll).
On the other end, the student who has shown passion and enthusiasm for a particular school, is rewarded with improved acceptance odds. Win-win, right? Unfortunately, according to a new research study, as reported by Inside Higher Ed, the component of demonstrated interest that actually carries the most favor isn’t meeting a rep at a college fair, or connecting through email or social media—it’s the cost prohibitive one—a physical visit to campus.
The study, which looked at highly selective schools, found that applicants who visit campus and stay long enough to participate in as many activities as possible receive a substantial edge over a similar candidate who does not, or cannot make the trip.